Junior high orchestra, band and choir students recently traveled to Kansas Wesleyan University to participate in the NCAA League Junior High Music Festival. 

The orchestra instructor is Ms. Julia McMains. The junior orchestra consists of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and they rehearse before school three days a week. They played “Childgrove,” arranged by Shirl Jae Atwell, and “Dragonfly’s Journey,” by Avner Dorman. The Beloit 8th grade string trio received an I- rating for their trio. The 7th grade string trio received an I or “Superior” rating; they were awarded a certificate for their outstanding performance. McMains concludes, “The students did an excellent job representing Beloit as performers and as respectful individuals.”

The band instructor is Mrs. Kristi Vetter. The band played “Down by Sally Gardens,” arranged by Michael Sweeney, and “The Secrets of McDougal’s Cave,” by Ed Huckeby. The Beloit Junior High Concert band received an “AP” (Advanced Performance) or I+ rating. Many students also received a I or “Superior” rating, and II+ or “Excellent” ratings. Vetter adds, “The Beloit students all performed very well. In addition to being fantastic musicians, they also exhibited great integrity. They supported each other by attending others’ events, were responsible and arrived to their events early, practiced appropriately before their performances, and followed all the rules. They truly are a band family!”

The choir instructor is Mr. Gary Dekler. The choir performed for “Comments Only,” but they had great comments. They played “Shenandoah,” then a melody of African American Spirituals done as partner songs. Kailana Long was a vocal soloist and he got the highest rating possible. Dekler adds, “They were very successful and professional. I’m very proud of their hard work.”